Who needs two?

Meet Jake. He's a classic example of fat is not always healthy. Jake lived on a farm, which was sold at some point, and he came with it. Unfortunately for him, the new owners knew nothing about horses, and all they did with him was feed him bread over the fence! What you can't really tell in this photo, is that Jake had only one eye. Nobody knows how or when this happened, but it is probably the reason he was just left in a paddock. His feet were long, and showed signs of previous founder, not surprising with his huge crest and big pads of fat all over. Jake was all of 11 hands, but with the presence of a horse twice his size.

When Jake came home, he was caught, loaded on the truck like a pro, and travelled brilliantly, so he obviously had some handling at some point in his young life. He stood perfectly quietly for the vet, dentist and farrier. He wasn't too impressed with the Jenny Craig paddock, but some things just have to be done! Jake's breaking in consisted of putting on the saddle, putting on the bridle and going for a ride. Only weeks later, he was in lessons, teaching kids to ride. Shortly after that, he attended a chicken ODE, placing 4th, beating dozens of TB's, WB's and PC horses - after jumping for the first time three days before. (Please excuse pic quality, they're from VHS video.) All the big horses shied at the "scary" obstacles - not Jake, he galloped on through like a seasoned pro. He could still be cheeky, but only ever in exuberance, never being naughty or nasty.

Jake also attended Interschool events with his young riders, behaving far better than many of the seasoned youth horses. He went from strength to strength - the more you worked with him, the more he enjoyed it. He always tried his heart out, doing his best no matter what you were doing.

Just goes to show that because something happens and they are no longer "perfect," doesn't mean they are worthless. They should never be thrown away like Jake was. Jake gave so much to many people, despite his disability, and we are forever grateful to have known this special boy.

Sadly Jake now walks beyond Rainbow Bridge, but his big heart and big personality will never be forgotten. He overcame a tough beginning, to show the true meaning of this partnership we all share.